Are We Bodies or Souls?: Revised edition

Humans are complex beings with a soul that is sustained by our brains. Our souls are individual, making us who we are. While scientists may discover laws of nature that determine conscious and brain events, they cannot explain the essence of our soul.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Humans are complex beings that have been the subject of much debate and speculation. Some view us as mere machines, while others believe that we possess a soul that distinguishes us from other animals. In his book "Are We Bodies or Souls?" Richard Swinburne takes a stance in defense of the soul and presents new philosophical arguments that are supported by modern neuroscience.

Swinburne begins by challenging the notion that we are simply complicated machines. He argues that while our bodies are indeed physical entities, they are not the sole determinants of our identity. Our minds, he suggests, are the source of our consciousness, emotions, and thoughts, and they are what truly make us who we are.

Swinburne further argues that scientific advances, such as the ability to transplant a part of the brain into a new body, do not necessarily undermine the existence of the soul. While we may be able to gain insights into the brain's activity and conscious experiences, he believes that we will never be able to fully understand the essence of a person's soul. Each person's soul is unique and individual, and it is this that ultimately distinguishes us from one another.

Swinburne's arguments are supported by recent research in neuroscience. Scientists have discovered that the brain is not just a physical organ but a complex system that is capable of generating conscious experiences. This research has led some to argue that the soul is an illusion, but Swinburne contends that it is more than that. The soul, he suggests, is the source of our consciousness and our ability to experience the world around us.

In conclusion, humans are complex beings that have been the subject of much debate and speculation. While some view us as mere machines, others believe that we possess a soul that distinguishes us from other animals. Richard Swinburne's book "Are We Bodies or Souls?" presents new philosophical arguments that are supported by modern neuroscience and argues that the soul is the source of our consciousness and our ability to experience the world around us. While scientific advances may provide insights into the brain's activity and conscious experiences, they will never be able to fully understand the essence of a person's soul. Each person's soul is unique and individual, and it is this that ultimately makes us who we are.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 216 x 135 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198874959